Defaults in Minnesota in 2008 Increase 39% Over 2007

If the default numbers for Minnesota are any indication, debt collectors are falling all over themselves, suing everyone in sight. In 2007, a “mere” 36,000 defaults were filed. In 2008, that number jumped to just over 51,000.

Some were responsible for more of those lawsuits than others. Minnesota debt collection law firm Messerli & Kramer, for example, filed nearly 35% of the default judgments in Hennepin County for Dakota Bluff Financial, LLC; Livingston Financial, LLC; Midland Funding, LLC; Pipestone Financial, LLC; Red Rock Lake Financial, LLC; and Capital One

The worst part is that many of these cases are brought by debt buyers who cannot prove their case. But the odds are on their side. As far as I can tell, very few consumers ever answer the complaint or defense themselves.

If you get sued over a debt, contact a consumer rights lawyer as soon as possible to find out whether you can win your case.

Sam Glover is a lawyer and the founder and Editor in Chief of Lawyerist.com. He also works with lawyers on motion practice and appeals, and is President of the board of directors of HOME Line, a nonprofit Minnesota tenant advocacy organization.